MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley and Spectrum Healthcare Group partner to bring Mental Health First Aid trainings into our communities on a bi-monthly basis in January, March, May, July, September and November. Please see our events calendar for upcoming trainings.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

Topics Covered

Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

Assess for risk of suicide or harmWhen helping a person going through a mental health crisis, it is important to look for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury, or other harm. Some warning signs of suicide include:

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself

Seeking access to means to hurt or kill oneself

Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide

Feeling hopeless

Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Withdrawing from family, friends, or society

Appearing agitated or angry

Having a dramatic change in mood

Always seek emergency medical help if the person’s life is in immediate danger. If you have reason to believe someone may be actively suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).